Many holiday events coming up around NK

With Christmas right around the corner, there are many holiday-related events and activities in North Kitsap to take part in over the next few weeks.

The Poulsbo Tree Lighting Ceremony will kick off the holiday season Nov. 24 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Waterfront Park. Santa will lead a holiday procession from Poulsbo Parks and Recreation to Waterfront Park, where he will light the tree around 5 p.m. Santa will then be available for photographs. There will be live performances along with cookie and ornament decorating.

On Nov. 25 Blue Heron Jewelry’s 1st Holiday Hunt will occur in downtown Poulsbo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hunt for ornaments hidden throughout downtown. If you find one, bring it back to the jewelry store.

There are over 20 surprise-filled ornaments hidden along Front Street and Waterfront Park. Inside each ornament could be a coupon, silver ticket or golden ticket. The silver ticket allows the finder to claim a sterling silver jewelry item. The golden ticket winner allows the finder to claim a special gift basket. Limit of one ornament per person.

The Poulsbo Fire Department will be providing Santa with rides through many nearby neighborhoods Dec. 1-17. Just like in years past, PFD crews will be passing out candy canes and collecting non-perishable and/or monetary donations for NK Fishline. Check out PFD’s Facebook page for the schedule.

One of Poulsbo’s largest holiday celebrations of the year is Julefest, which will be Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to dusk downtown. The event includes Norwegian street food, Scandinavian vendors, and a Lucia Bride ushered to shore in a Viking boat. The evening culminates with the annual bonfire where visitors will witness the Viking King’s Winter Solstice Proclamation.

Also on Dec. 2, the Port of Kingston will be putting up its huge display of Christmas lights at Mike Wallace Park downtown. The lights will be up through Jan. 9, 2024.

On Dec. 9 from 5-9 p.m. the Lighted Ships Parade will be held at Waterfront Park. 2023 marks the 54th year Poulsbo Yacht Club has brightened the holidays for the community with this parade. The event has become a holiday tradition on Liberty Bay and surrounding waterways. Along the route Santa calls out personal greetings.

The parade starts just outside the PYC Marina at 5 p.m., all times are approximate. 4:45: Boats leave the Yacht Club

5:00: Boats arrive in downtown Poulsbo; best spots to view are from Waterfront Park

5:50: Passing Keyport & cross to Manzanita Bay and through Agate Pass on the east side

7:35: Suquamish dock then return back down the west side of Agate Pass

8:25 – Point Bolin and north to Lemolo and the east side of Liberty Bay

9:15 – Parade ends